Animal feeder

ABSTRACT

Implementations described and claimed herein provide disposable containers for feeding animals and systems, methods, and apparatuses related thereto. In one implementation, an animal feeder for use in dispensing animal food to birds or other suitable animals includes one or more reservoirs having one or more walls that allow a user to create one or more openings in the walls. The one or more reservoirs may be set on a tray to orient each reservoir to allow birds or other suitable animals to feed from the openings in each reservoir. The reservoirs are disposable and replaceable to provide a re-useable system for feeding birds.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/013,063, filed on Feb. 2, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/947,928, filed on Nov. 20, 2015,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/455,092 filed on Aug. 8, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/784,392, filed on Mar. 4, 2013, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/092,285,filed on Apr. 22, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/326,736, filed on Apr. 22, 2010. Each of theseapplications is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to feeders foranimals, for example, birds.

BACKGROUND

Hummingbird feeders are a source of enjoyment for bird and natureenthusiasts. A hummingbird feeder is typically a reservoir thatdispenses or makes available a food source to a hummingbird, namelynectar. Nectar typically comprises a sugar and water solution.

Some hummingbird feeders rely on a nozzle positioned below or under areservoir of liquid hummingbird solution that mimics the nourishmentfound in nature. The weight of the feeding solution pushes the solutionto the access point of the nozzle. The nozzle functions as a valve thatshould control the flow of feed solution by holding feed solution insidethe nozzle until a hummingbird disturbs the nozzle to access the feedsolution.

These hummingbird feeders tend to leak due to either the undesired flowfrom the nozzle, for example due to temperature changes, spoilage of thefeed solution, and the wind moving the feeder, among other causes. Also,when a hummingbird disturbs the nozzle, it initiates a flow of feedsolution from the feeder that results in the hummingbird releasing morefeeding solution than it can ingest. Leakage furthermore attractsunwanted pests, such as ants and wasps that tend to contaminate the feedsolution. What is needed are improved feeders for feeding hummingbirds,and other animals, while reducing the waste of feed solution.

SUMMARY

Implementations described and claimed herein address the foregoingproblems by providing disposable containers for feeding animals. In oneimplementation, an animal feeder for use in dispensing animal food tobirds or other suitable animals includes one or more reservoirs havingone or more walls that allow a user to create one or more openings inthe walls. The one or more reservoirs may be set on a tray to orienteach reservoir to allow birds or other suitable animals to feed from theopenings in each reservoir. The reservoirs are disposable andreplaceable to provide a re-useable system for feeding birds.

Other implementations are also described and recited herein. Further,while multiple implementations are disclosed, still otherimplementations of the presently disclosed technology will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription, which shows and describes illustrative implementations ofthe presently disclosed technology. As will be realized, the presentlydisclosed technology is capable of modifications in various aspects, allwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosedtechnology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to beregarded as illustrative in nature and not limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example configuration of ahummingbird feeding apparatus;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a second example configuration ofhummingbird feeding apparatus having a nozzle member removed;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the second configuration ofhummingbird feeding apparatus taken along line 2B-2B, shown in FIG. 2D;

FIG. 2C is a close-up view of section “2C” shown in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2D is a top view of the second configuration of hummingbird feedingapparatus;

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of section “3” shown in FIG. 2B, showinglayers in walls of a feeder;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a first example configuration of ahummingbird feeding apparatus taken along line 4A-4A shown in FIG. 4Bwith the nozzle member coupled to the feeder;

FIG. 4B is a top view of the first configuration of a hummingbirdfeeding apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of section “5” shown in FIG. 4A of a nozzlemember;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a hangar member;

FIG. 7 is a front view of a nozzle member;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a refill package;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second feeding apparatus in a firstconfiguration;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second feeding apparatus in a secondconfiguration;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third feeding apparatus;

FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C are three configurations of an extension arm fora third feeding apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth feeding apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of a fourth feeding apparatus;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second dispensing member;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a second refill package;

FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C are a top view, side cross-sectional view takenalong line 17B-17B, and a close up view of section C of a second refillpackage;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fifth feeding apparatus;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a stand;

FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C are side view, front view, and top view of abracket;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a feeder;

FIG. 22 is a side view of a feeder;

FIG. 23 is a disassembled view of a feeder;

FIG. 24 is a close-view of a spout of a feeder;

FIG. 25 a top view of an example feeder, showing a cross-sectional lineA-A, including line segment A′, taken across the feeder;

FIG. 26 is an illustration of a first cross-sectional view taken alongline A-A, including A′ of the feeder shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is the illustration of the cross-sectional view of the feeder ofFIG. 26 in a first position;

FIG. 28 is the illustration of the cross-sectional view of the feeder ofFIG. 26 in a second position;

FIG. 29 is the illustration of the cross-sectional view of the feeder ofFIG. 26 in a third position;

FIGS. 30A and 30B are a perspective view of a perch and a side view ofthe perch mounted on a feeder, respectively;

FIGS. 31A and 31B are a perspective view of a cover mounted on a feederand a top view of the cover, respectively;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a feeder;

FIG. 33 is a side view of a feeder;

FIG. 34 a top view of a feeder, showing a cross-sectional line B-B takenacross the feeder;

FIG. 35 is a first illustration of a cross-sectional view taken alongline B-B, shown in FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a second illustration of the cross-sectional view of thefeeder of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a first view of an example feeder tray;

FIG. 38 is a top view of the feeder tray of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a second view of the feeder tray of FIG. 37;

FIG. 40 is an illustration of another example feeder tray;

FIG. 41 is a top view of the feeder tray of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is an illustration of another example feeder tray; and

FIG. 43 is an illustration of another example of a feeder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the presently disclosed technology relate to systems andmethods for dispensing animal food, such as nectar, seeds, suet, orother suitable food to animals, such as birds or other animals usingdisposable containers. Some of the example implementations describedherein reference feed solution and hummingbirds. However, it will beappreciated that the present technology is applicable to other types ofanimal food, as well as other animals.

To begin a detailed description of example feed containers andassociated features, reference is made to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, afeeding apparatus 1000 for feeding a bird or other animals may comprisea feeder 100 containing a formula adapted for feeding birds or otheranimals. The feeder 100 may be configured to couple to a dispensingmember 200 for dispensing the formula to birds or animals. In someimplementations, the formula may be ready for consumption, withoutrequiring the addition of any further materials, such as water, sugar orother ingredients. As shown in FIG. 2A, the feeder 100 may have a capmember 113 that may cover an opening 106 in the feeder 100.

The feeder 100 may comprise an aseptic or sterile enclosure having walls102 forming a reservoir 104. The formula may be aseptically filled andpackaged in the feeder 100 prior to arriving to the consumer. Theformula may have been previously sterilized and aseptically packaged inthe feeder 100 for storage in an aseptic environment, at least until oneor more seals on the feeder are broken to dispense the formula to birdsor other animals. For instance, the formula may be vacuum-packed in amicrobe-free and sterile packing environment into an aseptic feeder forkeeping the formula fresh for an extended period of time, for instancetwo years.

An aseptic or sterile enclosure may comprise a reservoir that contains asterile product stored in a sterile container. The sterile product, suchas hummingbird formula, is stored to maintain its sterility for anextended period of time to extend the shelf life of the product, wheresterility may be defined as the condition of the product beingsubstantially microbe and disease-free. The reservoir 104 of the feeder100 shown in FIG. 1 may have walls 102 comprising layers of acombination of paper, plastic, foil, like aluminum foil, or othersuitable materials.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3, the walls of the feeder 100 may comprise oneor more layers 110 that accomplish and promote longer shelf life byprotecting the contents from contaminants like microbes, bacteria,moisture, oxygen, light, and flavor. The reservoir 104 of the feeder 100may be constructed according to the processes and manufacturingtechniques of the aseptic packages produced by Tetra Pak Inc. of VernonHills, Ill., for instance under the registered trademark Tetra Prisma®.

The walls 102 may include a series of one or more layers 110 including,but not limited to, those shown in FIGS. 2B and 3. As shown in FIG. 3,these layers 110 may include a combination of one or more of apolyethylene layer 110 a for sealing in the nectar formula 101, shown inFIG. 2A, a first polyethylene adhesion layer 110 b, an aluminum foillayer 110 c, a second polyethylene adhesion layer 110 d, a paperboardlayer 110 e for providing structural stability and strength to thefeeder and define an enclosed volume as a reservoir, a printed designand artwork layer 110 f for labeling the feeder, and a secondpolyethylene layer 110 g to protect the reservoir from externalmoisture.

In some implementations, the layers 110 of the feeder 100 may compriseflexible materials that may be folded into a closed shape to configurethe layers 110 to define a reservoir for holding nectar solution. Oneadvantage of using flexible materials for the layers 116 may be that itallows for high-speed manufacturing, which may lower overall productioncosts.

It is expected that at least one layer of the walls 102 may comprise asubstantial barrier to one or more of microbes, bacteria, moisture,oxygen, light or flavor. The layer 110 c may comprise a low densitymetal, such as aluminum, that resists corrosion and provides asubstantial barrier to light, oxygen and flavor. In the implementationshown, the aluminum foil layer 110 c may substantially prevent lightfrom entering the reservoir to impact the nectar contained in the feeder100. Preventing light from impacting the nectar may retard microbialgrowth within the reservoir 103, which may significantly extend theshelf-life of the nectar formula 101.

In is further expected that the aluminum foil layer 110 c may assist inextending the time that the nectar stays fresh after at least one sealin the feeder 100 is broken and the nectar in the reservoir is exposed,at least partially, to the outside environment. A consumer may purchasethe feeder 100 in a substantially sealed condition with the feeder 100sealed by at least one seal, such as first sealing member 116, describedbelow. After the seal is broken, the aluminum layer 110 c may continueto substantially prevent light from impacting the nectar solutioncontained in the reservoir of the feeder 100, even though there may besome contamination as an expected part of breaking the seal. Therefore,the aluminum layer 110 c and other suitable materials may maintain asubstantially sealed condition, providing a relatively sterileenvironment, within the reservoir for a longer period of time, evenafter the seal of the feeder 100 is initially broken. In someimplementations, the dispensing member 200 may further assist inpreventing contamination and stopping microbial growth by acting as atleast a partial seal to entrance of air within the reservoir.

It will be understood other materials known by persons of ordinary skillin the art may be used in place of aluminum of layer 110 c. Thesematerials may accomplish substantially the same apparent benefits andadvantages of aluminum, and may include tin, zinc, or other suitablematerial.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the feeder 100 may comprise an opening 106 on abottom portion 13 of the feeder 100. The opening 106 may extend throughthe walls 102 of the feeder 100 allowing for nectar to be inserted orremoved from the reservoir 104, in the absence of at least one seal thatwould close the opening 106.

A connection interface 112 may surround a portion of the opening 106 forcoupling a dispensing member 200 to the feeder 100. The interface 112may attach to and extend from the outside surface of the walls 102 ofthe feeder 100. The interface 112 may generally at least partiallysurround or enclose the opening 106, and may generally form a channelfor connecting with a mouth of the interface 112 and the opening 106,shown in FIG. 1.

In the implementation shown in FIGS. 2B and 4A, the interface 112 maycomprise a boss 114 extending from the opening 106 having threading 117on outside portions of the boss 114. The threading 117 may be configuredto threadably couple to a cap member (shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) or thedispensing member 200 (shown in FIG. 4) for allowing the nectar formula101 to flow from the reservoir 104 through the interface 112 and to thedispensing member 200. The boss 114 may be manufactured frompolypropylene or other suitable material. It will be understood bypersons of ordinary skill in the art that the threaded coupling betweenthe interface 112 and the dispensing member 200 may be interchanged withother structures and methods of coupling that will perform the samefunction as the threaded coupling, for instance snap or interferencefits, latches, or clips.

The opening 106 may be sealed by a first sealing member 116. In theimplementation shown in FIG. 2B, the first sealing member 116 may coverthe opening 106 to impede the flow of nectar formula 101 from thereservoir 104 through the interface 112 and to the dispensing member 200and to at least partially seal the feeder from the outside environment,e.g. from air, light, bacteria, microbes, or animals. The first sealingmember 116 may be configured to be breakable or removable to allow theconsumer to open or unseal the feeder 100 for dispensing nectar formula101 to birds or other animals.

Initially, the feeder 100 may be sealed from the outside atmosphere bythe first sealing member 116. As shown in FIG. 2B, the first sealingmember 116 may comprise a piece of aluminum foil, or other suitablematerial, extending from the walls 102 of the feeder 100 to cover theopening 106. In some implementations, the first sealing member 116comprises a portion of layer 110 c that has been stripped of otherlayers 110 to expose the aluminum portion of walls 102.

The connection between the first sealing member 116 and the feeder 100may be configured to allow the consumer to tear or break the firstsealing member 116 from the feeder 100 with the application of athreshold level of pulling or puncturing force. The foil of the firstsealing member 116 may be configured to be thin enough, as a membrane,to allow the consumer to puncture the membrane with application of athreshold level of piercing force. The boss 114 may at least partiallycover and enclose both the opening 106 and the first sealing member 116to prevent inadvertent displacement of the first sealing member 116.

A cap member 113 may couple to the boss 114 to substantially encloseboth the opening 106 and the first sealing member 116 to preventinadvertent displacement of the first sealing member 116. The cap member113 may comprise a threaded sleeve that threadably engages the threading117 on the boss 114. In some implementations, the cap member 113 may bemanufactured according to the methods and techniques of the StreamCap®(manufactured by TetraPak, Inc.). The cap member 113 may be made frompolyethylene or other suitable material.

An opening member 115 on the cap member 113 may be configured to breakthe first sealing member 116 on the feeder 100 for the release of theformula from the reservoir. In some implementations, the opening member115 may be positioned on an inner surface of the boss 114. The openingmember 115 may comprise teeth positioned on an inner surface of the boss114 and configured to engage and break the first sealing member 116 onthe interface 112, when the cap member is removed from threadableengagement with the threading 117 on the boss 114. In someimplementations, when the cap member 113 is turned in a counterclockwise direction the teeth of the opening member 115 may engage thefirst sealing member 116 to break the seal.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 4, one or more attachment members, such ashanger members 124, may be coupled to a top portion 126 of the feeder100 for connecting the feeder 100 to a hummingbird-accessible location.The hanger member 124, such as a tab, may be positioned on the topportion 126 of the feeder 100 generally opposite from the dispensingmember 200, located generally on a bottom portion 128. The designations“top” and “bottom” are intended to signify that when in use the topportion 126 may be positioned higher relative to the local vertical thanthe bottom portion 128. Generally, the apparatus 1000 may be hung from abird or animal accessible structure, like a tree outside, by a couplingbetween the hangar member 124 and a portion of the bird or animalaccessible structure.

The hanger member 124 may be configured with an aperture 130 or hook(not shown) to receive or communicate with a hook member (not shown) ona bird or animal accessible structure for mounting the feeding apparatus1000 in a place accessible to birds or other animals. The hangar member124 is generally positioned on an opposite side of the feeder 100 fromwhere the opening 106 is located for orienting the feeder 100 so thatthe dispensing member 200 is extending in a generally downward directionrelative to the local vertical to allow gravity to assist in dispensingthe formula from dispensing member 200. It will understood by persons ofordinary skill in the art that the aperture 130 of the hangar member124, configured to receive a hook to couple the feeding apparatus 1000to a bird or animal accessible structure, may be interchanged by otherstructures and methods that achieve the same function as an aperture,namely, for instance, latches, hooks, clips, nails, nut and bolts,suction cups and adhesives.

In some implementations, the formula 101 contained in the feeder 100comprises a ready to consume nectar solution of about 4 parts water andabout 1 part sugar cane, specifically made to feed one or morehummingbirds. The feeder 100 may hold 500 ml of liquid and may comprisesubstantially an aseptic package manufactured by Tetra Pak Inc. ofVernon Hills, Ill. under the registered trademark Tetra Prisma®. In someimplementations, the formula 101 may be packaged without preservatives,which generally is a more attractive formulation for hummingbirds. Theformula 101 may further be packaged without any other additives such ascolor. No further water or additives need to be added to make theformula consumable for hummingbirds.

As discussed above and shown in FIG. 4A, the feeder 100 is intended tobe used in an orientation that allows nectar formula 101 to flow byforce of gravity out through the opening 106. As shown in FIG. 1, thefeeder 100 may be hung from the attachment member 124 so that that theopening 106 generally is positioned to allow nectar formula 101 by forceof gravity to flow out through the opening 106. A valve, such as thedispensing member 200, may regulate the flow of nectar formula 101 outof the reservoir 104.

In some implementations, the feeder 100 may comprise properties orqualities that make the product consumer-disposable. For instance, thematerials used may have a low cost in the market, the manufacturing mayhave a low assembly cost, and the overall product and contents may beconsidered environmentally-friendly.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 4A, and 7, the feeder 100 may be configured tocouple to a dispensing member 200 for dispensing the nectar formulastored in the reservoir 104 to hummingbirds, for instance. Thedispensing member 200, shown in FIGS. 4A and 7, may function as a valvefor regulating the flow of nectar solution out of the reservoir 104. Insome implementations, the dispensing member 200 may comprise a nozzlemember 210 specifically engineered for dispensing the formula to a birdor other animal, and a connection member 212 for coupling the nozzlemember 210 to the feeder 100. Threading on an inside surface of theconnection member 212 may be designed or molded to threadably coupleonto the connection interface 112 located around the opening 106 of thefeeder 100. The connection member 212 may comprise a connection memberopening 211 for providing an opening to allow nectar solution to flowfrom the opening 106 into the inner channel of the connection member212. The nozzle member 210 may be manufactured from polypropylene orother suitable material.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5, the nozzle member 210 may comprise a tipportion 202 having a nozzle opening 204. A channel 208 between theconnection member opening 211 and the nozzle opening 204 may provide apath for nectar solution to flow from the opening 106 of the feeder 100.

In some implementations, inner surfaces of the nozzle opening 204 may beconfigured to prevent the flow of nectar solution, when the nozzlemember 210 is in a non-actuated state, such as when a hummingbird is notpresently attempting to feed from the nozzle member 210. The nozzleopening 204 may be configured with a size, shape, or other geometricfeature designed to prevent the flow of nectar solution. For example,the size of the nozzle opening 204 may be configured to correspond withthe expected flow properties, such as viscosity and thickness, of thenectar solution so that the nectar solution does not substantially dripout from the nozzle member 210 when a hummingbird is not drinking fromthe nozzle member 210. It should be understood by persons of ordinaryskill that alternate techniques for preventing nectar solution fromflowing through the nozzle opening 204, when the nozzle member 210 isundisturbed, may include use of a ball valve, or other suitabletechnique.

As shown in FIG. 5, the inside surfaces of the nozzle member 204 may becoated with hydrophobic material 206, for instance Teflon® (a trademarkof DuPont of Wilmington, Del.). Use of material 206 as a coating mayhave the effect of preventing nectar solution from dripping out from thenozzle member 210 when the nozzle is substantially undisturbed by ahummingbird. Other hydrophobic materials, including silicon, may be usedto prevent inadvertent flow of nectar solution from the nozzle member210.

In some implementations, the materials comprising the feeder 100 or thedispensing member 200, such as the layers 110, may have properties orqualities that make the feeder 100 consumer disposable. For instance,the materials used may have a low cost in the market, the manufacturingmay have a low assembly cost, and the overall product and contents maybe considered environmentally-friendly.

The feeder 100 and the dispensing member 200 may further comprise aone-use configuration. For instance, the dispensing member 200 maycomprise a locking mechanism (not shown), which prevents removal of thedispensing member 200 without at least partial destruction of thedispensing member. A consumer therefore may be prevented from manuallyrefilling the reservoir 104, without disabling the functionality of theapparatus 1000.

In some implementations, the contents in the aseptic feeder 100 may bepressurized in some implementations to form a vacuum seal or airtightseal at the aseptic seal.

The apparatus 1000 may be prepared for use by following one or more ofthese steps. First, the first sealing member 116 may be removed. In someimplementations, a cap member 113 may be turned to remove the cap member113 from threadable engagement with the boss 114 to advance the openingmember 115 to puncture the first sealing member 116 and provide for theflow of nectar solution from the reservoir. The cap member 113 may thenbe removed through further turning to disengage the cap member 113.Second, the dispensing member 200 may be attached to the interface 112by threadably coupling the dispensing member 200 to the threading 117 onthe boss 114, through rotation of the dispensing member 200. Third, thefeeder 100 may be hung on a hook inserted into the aperture 130 of thehangar member 124. A hummingbird may then access the formula bydisturbing the nozzle member 210 to release the formula. In someimplementations, when the nozzle member 210 is undisturbed by ahummingbird, a coating on the inner surfaces of the nozzle member 210may substantially prevent inadvertent leakage of nectar formula inresponse to environmental disturbances, such as by wind or otherunintended movements of the feeder 100 as it hangs.

A system 2000 for feeding birds may comprise a kit containing at leastone feeder 100 containing formula for feeding birds or other animals, atleast one dispensing member 200 configured to be removeably coupled tothe at least one feeder, and at least one hangar member 124 configuredfor attachment to the feeder 100. In some implementations, the at leastone dispensing member 200 may be re-usable to be removeable andreattachable from a first feeder to a second feeder. In otherimplementations, the at least one dispensing member 200 may comprise aone-use configuration. The hangar member 124 may in some cases beremoveable and reattachable from a first feeder 100 to a second feeder(not shown).

In other implementations, the system 2000 may comprise one or morerefill packages 300, as shown in FIG. 8. Such refill packages may beconstructed according to the specifications of the feeder 100, includinguse of the methods and materials of the Tetra-Pak carton, for example,except that the refill packages 300 may not include the features of thefeeder 100 provided for use as a hummingbird feeder, including thehangar member 124 and the dispensing member 200. The refill packages 300may include a cap 302 that covers an opening. The cap may be removeablefor opening the package 300 and accessing the feed solution storedinside. The refill packages 300 may be included in the system 2000 forrefilling the reservoir of feeders 200 that are sold with a dispensingmember 200 having a re-usable configuration. Alternatively, the refillpackages 300 may be sold separately from the system 2000 or theapparatus 1000, as a refill option for consumers seeking to fillconventional hummingbird feeders.

As shown in FIG. 9, a second feeding apparatus 3000 for feeding a birdor other animals may comprise a second feeder 400 containing a formulaadapted for feeding birds or other animals. The second feeder 400 may beconfigured to couple to a second dispensing member 500.

The second feeder 400 may incorporate the same or similar features ofthe feeder 100 described above and shown in FIGS. 1-4A, including butnot limited to having walls with one or more layers (such as layers 110described above and shown in FIGS. 2B and C) forming a reservoircontaining or configured to contain a formula that is ready forconsumption by birds or other animals (such as formula 101 shown in FIG.4A). The second dispensing member 500 may incorporate the same orsimilar features of the first dispensing member 200, described and shownabove in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7A, including but not limited to having anozzle member, a nozzle tip coat with hydrophobic material, and aone-use configuration.

In some implementations, the second feeder 400 may exclude the hangarmember 124, shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. Referring to FIG. 9, the secondfeeder 400 may be configured to be supported and stabilized for use indispending the formula to birds by other attachment members or supportmeans instead of the hangar member 124. The second feeder 400 may beconfigured to sit and be balanced on a surface, such as a ledge 440 or atable (not shown).

The second feeder 400 may be configured with an underlying supportsurface 442 extending on an outside wall of the second feeder. Thesupport surface 442 may be configured to set onto the ledge 440. Thesurface of the ledge 440 may be substantially flat, as shown, allowingthe second feeder 400 to balance on the ledge 440 when the supportsurface 442 is placed on the ledge 440. The support surface 442 may beconfigured with sufficient surface area to allow sufficient balancing totake place, and maintain the second feeder 400 in a first positionconfigured to dispense feed solution from the dispensing member 500. Itwill be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that thesurface of the ledge 440 may be grooved, have depressions, or otherknown mating configurations that support balancing of the second feeder400.

When the second feeder 400 is placed on the ledge 440, the dispensingmember 500 may be configured to extend in a direction that supportsdispensing formula. For example, the dispensing member 500 may extendgenerally away from and downward relative to reservoir portion of thesecond feeder 400 to allow gravity to pull formula into the dispensingmember 500. The support surface 442 may be configured to allow thedispensing member 500 to extend below the level of the ledge 440 so thatthe dispensing member 500 does not interfere with placement of thesecond feeder 400 on the ledge.

The second feeding apparatus 3000 may further comprise a first supportholding device 446 configured to support balancing the second feeder 400on the ledge 440. The first support holding device 446 may comprise asupport arm 448 extending from a nearby rigid surface, such as wallsurface 401. The support arm 448 may comprise a base 449 mounted to thewall surface 401 with fasteners, such as screws 450 a and 450 b, thatextend through apertures in flanges 452 a, b on the base 449. It will beunderstood that the fasteners may comprise other mechanisms for mountingthe first support holding device 446 to the wall surface 401, includingbut not limited to using mechanical fasteners (e.g. clips, hooks, orsnaps), chemical fastening (e.g. glue), magnetic fasteners, and suctiondevices (in cases where the wall surface is smooth and substantiallyporous-free, like glass).

The support arm 448 may comprise a pivot arm 454 that may be pivotallymounted to the base 449 by a hinge 456. The hinge 456 may be configuredto frictionally couple the base 449 and the pivot arm 454 so that adegree of force must be applied to the pivot arm 454 to change itsposition relative to the base 449.

As shown in FIG. 10, the pivot arm 454 may be raised to an open positionfor positioning, repositioning, or removing the second feeder 400 fromits placement on the ledge 440. In FIG. 9, the pivot arm 454 is shown ina closed position where the pivot arm 454 is lowered to couple to a topsurface 458 of a wall of the second feeder 400. The coupling between thepivot arm 454 and the top surface 458 may be configured to stabilize andsupport balancing the second feeder 400 on the ledge 440. For example,the pivot arm 454 may engage a retention feature, such as an indentationor depression 460 in the top surface 458. It will be understood bypersons of ordinary skill in the art that the coupling may comprise africtional, a mechanical, a magnetic, a chemical coupling, or otherknown fastening or other known coupling methods.

The depression 460 may be configured to hold the second feeder 400 insubstantially an upright position, including in response to a forceapplied to the second feeder 400, such as from blowing wind, or from abird or other animal making contact with the second feeder 400,including while feeding from the dispensing member. It will beunderstood that the retention feature may comprise other mechanisms forholding the second feeder 400 in substantially an upright position,including but not limited to using mechanical fasteners (e.g. clips,hooks, or snaps), chemical fastening (e.g. glue), or magnetic fasteners.

The resistance of the pivot arm 454 to move relative to base 449provided in the hinge 456 may further provide support for the secondfeeder 400 in maintaining an upright orientation. It will be understoodby persons of ordinary skill in the art that the frictional coupling inthe hinge 456 may be replaced with other mechanisms that resist rotationin a hinge, including but not limited to ratcheting mechanisms andlocks.

Referring to FIG. 11, a third feeding apparatus 4000 may comprise thesecond feeder 400, as described above in FIGS. 9 and 10, except that thesecond feeder 400 may be further configured to set within a secondsupport holding device 462. The second support holding device 462 maysubstantially perform the same or similar functions as the first supportholding device 446 in maintaining the second feeder 400 in substantiallyan upright position to orient the dispensing member 500 for dispensingformula to birds or other animals.

Referring to FIGS. 20A-C, the second support holding device 462, such asa bracket, may comprise a second base 466 mounted to the wall surface401 with fasteners, such as screws 468 a and 468 b, that extend throughapertures in the second base 466 and into the wall surface 401. It willbe understood that the fasteners may comprise other mechanisms formounting the second support holding device 462 to the wall surface 401,including but not limited to using mechanical fasteners (e.g. clips,hooks, or snaps), chemical fastening (e.g. glue), magnetic fasteners,and suction devices (in cases where the wall surface is smooth andsubstantially porous-free, like glass).

The underlying support surface 442 may be configured to sit on and besupported on a support arm 464 extending from the second base 466 of thesecond support holding device 462 and configured to extend from the wallsurface 401. An extension arm 472 may extend from the second base 466and extend from the wall surface 401 at a position offset dl from wherethe support arm 464 extends from the wall surface 401.

As shown in FIG. 12B, the extension arm 472 (shown in two parts 472 aand 472 b) may be configured to extend around at least a portion of theside walls of the second feeder 400. The extension arm 472 may extendalong at least two opposing sides to stabilize the second feeder 400 onthe underlying support surface 442. The extension arm 472 may furthercomprise one or more hook portions 474 a, b that are configured toextend around the second feeder 400 from one adjacent side of the secondfeeder 400 to another. As shown in FIG. 12A, the extension arm 472extends around the second feeder 400 to form a closed shape with a backportion 476 of the second base 466.

In some implementations shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the extension arm472 may be configured to have a gap g between the inner surface of theextension arm 472 and the outer surface of the second feeder 440. Thegap g may allow some movement, for example tilting, of the second feeder440. As shown in FIG. 12C, the extension arm 472 may be configured tocontact at least portions of the outer surface of the second feeder 440to reduce tilting and maintain the second feeder 440 in a substantiallyupright position. In some implementations, the second feeder 440 may befit snugly within the extension arm 472.

Referring to FIG. 13, a fourth feeding apparatus 5000 may comprise thesecond feeder 400, as described above in FIGS. 9 and 10, except that theapparatus 5000 may not include, in some implementations, either thefirst or second support holding device 446, 462, respectively. Thesecond feeder 400 may be configured to set up and stand in a substantialupright position, at least in part, between a slot or groove in aplatform surface, such as in gap 503 extending between two slats in ashelf or table. In some implementations, the second feeder 400 may beadapted to be free-standing on a substantially rigid surface, such as atable or a shelf, without the need for other hardware, such as bracketsor fasteners.

Referring to FIG. 13, the underlying support surface 442 (shown dividedinto two parts 442 a and 442 b) may be configured to sit on one or moreof top surfaces of the slats 441, 443 to support balancing the secondfeeder 400 and keeping the second feeder 400 in a substantially uprightposition. In some implementations (not shown), an additional support,such as the first support holding device 446 shown in FIG. 9, may beadded to further support the second feeder 400.

Referring to FIG. 14, the dispensing member 500 may comprise a secondconnection member 501, which may be configured to fit in the gap 503between a first slat 441 and a second slat 443, extending on asubstantially rigid platform surface, such as a shelf extending from thewall 401, or a table top (not shown). In some implementations the secondconnection member 501 comprises a substantially cylindrical shape.

Referring to FIG. 13, a nozzle portion 510 of the dispensing member 500may be configured to extend beneath the slats 441, 443 and to clear theslats sufficiently to allow birds or other animals to feed from theformula dispensed by the dispensing member 500. As shown in FIG. 13, thenozzle portion 510 may extend down and away from the slats 441, 443 toprovide access for feeding.

Referring to FIG. 14, the gap 503 may comprise opposing walls 445, 447extending to form a neck that constricts tilting movement of the secondfeeder 400. Sides 501 a and 501 b of the second connection member 501may be configured to contact portions of the inner walls 445, 447,respectively, of the gap 503 between the slats 441, 443 to prevent thesecond feeder 400 from tipping over, including preventing tipping orfalling when the second feeder 400 is pushed by an external force suchas wind or a bird or animal. In some implementations, the dispendingbase 501 is configured to make constant contact, such as in aninterference fit, with the two slats 441, 443. It will be understood bypersons of ordinary skill in the art that one or both of the sides 501a, 501 b of the second connection member 501 or the inner walls 445, 447of the slats 441, 443 may comprise a shape, such as flat orcorrespondingly mating, to provide increased surface area for preventingtipping or falling of the second feeder 400.

In other implementations, the second feeder 400 may be propped or leanedagainst a wall, a stand, or other rigid surface configured to supportthe second feeder 400 in an orientation (e.g. substantially vertical)for allowing formula to flow out from the dispensing member 500. A fifthfeeding apparatus 5000, shown in FIG. 18, may comprise a stand 480 forsupporting the second feeder 400.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the stand 480 may comprise a stand supportmember 484 having a support surface 485 for receiving a side portion 478of the second feeder 400. A stand base 482 may extend from the supportmember 484 to provide a sturdy and stable support for the support member484 and the second feeder 400. In the implementation shown in FIG. 18,the stand base 482 extends substantially horizontally along anundersurface 477 to provide support to the support member 484.

The second feeder 400 may be set on to or attached to the support member484 to contact the support surface 485. The support surface 485 may beconfigured to orient the second dispensing member 500 for dispensingformula through the nozzle member 510. As shown in FIG. 18, the supportsurface 485 may extend at an angle α relative to the stand base 482. Theangle α may be configured to position the second feeder 4000 in asubstantially vertical position. It will be understood by persons ofordinary art that the angle α may be other than 90 degrees and may bevaried to accommodate the flow of formula from the nozzle member 510.

The feeder 100 (shown in FIG. 1) and the second feeder 400 (shown inFIGS. 9, 11, and 13) may be configured to couple to a third dispensingmember 520, and may be configured to be interchangeable with thedispensing member 200 and the second dispensing member 500. The thirddispensing member 520 may be configured to dispense formula to more thanone bird or other animal at a time. The third dispensing member 520 mayfurther be included as part of the system 2000 for feeding birds,described above, sold with the feeder 100 or second feeder 400, or soldseparately.

Referring to FIG. 15 showing by example the feeder 100, the connectioninterface 112 may be configured to couple to a third connection member507 of the third dispensing member 520.

The third dispensing member 520 may comprise two or more nozzle members510 a, 510 b, 510 c extending from the third connection member 507. Eachnozzle member 510 a, 510 b, 510 c may be specifically engineered fordispensing the formula to a bird or other animal. Each nozzle member 510a, 510 b, 510 c may be configured with the same or similar features asthose described for nozzle member 210, described above and shown inFIGS. 1, 4A, and 5. The third dispensing member 520 may be configuredwith nozzle members 510 a, 510 b, and 510 c to allow two or more birdsor other animals to feed at the same time without interfering with oneanother.

A second refill package 600 may be configured to transport and deliverthe formula 101 to the consumer for use in the feeder 100 and/or thesecond feeder 400, or in other hummingbird feeders. The second refillpackage 600 may further be included as part of the system 2000 forfeeding birds, described above, or sold separately.

The second refill package 600 may be constructed according to the sameor similar specifications of the feeder 100 or the refill package 300(shown in FIG. 8), including use of the methods and materials of theTetra-Pak carton, with some noted differences described here. Referringto FIG. 16, the refill package 600 may comprise a hinged cap 602 thatprovides access for a user to open the second refill package 600 andpour out the formula 101 (shown in FIG. 17B) stored inside.

Referring to FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C, the hinged cap 602 may be coupledto the walls of the second refill package 600 by a cap hinge 604. Thehinged cap 602 may be moved from a closed to an open position (notshown). A locking member 606 may keep the hinged cap in place fortransport and storage of the formula within the closed container of therefill package 600. In some implementations, the locking member 606 maycomprise a snap lock. It will be understood by persons of ordinary skillin the art that the locking member 606 may comprise other known lockingmechanisms, including but not limited to latches, screws, clips,magnets, and adhesives.

A refill sealing member 616 may span an opening 608 in the second refillpackage 600. The lip 601 forming the opening 608 may comprise a spoutfor pouring the formula 101 out of the refill package 600. Formula 101may be poured into a separate container, such as, but not limited to,the feeder 100 and/or the second feeder 400, or in other bird or animalfeeders for refilling the container or replacing old feeding formula.

The refill sealing member 616 may comprise a membrane formed fromaluminum foil, or other suitable material, to allow removal orpuncturing of the refill sealing member 616. In FIG. 17C, a pull tab 617may extend from a portion of the refill sealing member 616. A user maypull the pull tab 617 to remove the refill sealing member 616 to allowformula 101 to be poured from the opening 608 of the second refillpackage 600.

Referring to FIG. 21, there is shown a first implementation of a birdfeeder 21000 (referred to also as “feeder 21000”). The feeder 21000 maycontain a liquid feed solution 2105, as shown in FIG. 26, prepared tonourish a bird 2101. It will be understood by persons skilled in the artthat the feeder 21000 may be configured for feeding other non-humananimals, including but not limited to other birds, by providing suitablefeed solution for the particular animal.

The feed solution 2105 (shown in FIG. 26) may be contained within areservoir 2104. As shown in FIG. 21, the bird 2101 may access the feedsolution 2105 through a dispenser 2102, which may comprise a feedingport 109 connected to the reservoir 2104. The port 2109 may comprise anopening 2108 for the bird 2101 to stick its bill for accessing the feedsolution 2105. The reservoir 2104 may extend along a first longitudinalaxis L.

Referring to FIG. 26, the feeder 21000 may rotate on a pivot 2100 in atleast a first plane A (see FIG. 25 showing first plane A). The dispenser2102 may be connected to the reservoir 2104 on a front side 2132 of thereservoir 2104, which is opposite a back side 2134 of the reservoir 2102relative to the pivot 2100. “Front,” in the context of the reservoir2104, refers to the side of the reservoir 2104 connected to thedispenser 2102 and “back” refers to the opposite side relative to thepivot 2100. The weight of the reservoir 2104 extending along the firstlongitudinal axis L and the dispenser 2102 may be balanced on eitherside of the pivot 2100 to provide at least an orientation of the feeder21000. The orientation of the feeder 21000 may be established by atleast the angle B (see FIGS. 27-29) between the first longitudinal axisL and the local horizontal H (shown co-aligned in FIG. 26), which is thedirection perpendicular to the local vertical direction V (shown in FIG.26) upon which gravity acts, and is referred to here as the reservoirtilt angle B.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 27, the pivot 2100 may be configured to allowfor rotation of the feeder 21000 and stabilization at a tilt angle Baccording to a change of weight distribution within the feeder 21000.The change of weight distribution of the feeder 21000 causes a rotationof the feeder 21000 about the pivot 2100 to re-balance and stabilize thereservoir 2104 from a first orientation to at least a secondorientation. Such a change in weight distribution may occur when feedsolution 2105 exits the reservoir 2104 through the feeding port 2102.

Referring to FIG. 26, there is shown an illustrative cross-sectionaldrawing of the feeder 21000 taken along the first plane A shown in FIG.25. The pivot 2100 is located relative to a center of gravity 2103 ofthe feeder 21000 in a manner that affects the orientation of the feeder21000 relative to the first plane A. When the feeder 21000 is suspendedat the pivot 2100, the center of gravity 2103 is vertically alignedalong the vertical line V with the pivot 2100 to put the feeder 21000 ina substantially stable position.

When weight in the feeder 21000 is redistributed the position of thecenter of gravity 2103 relative to the pivot 2100 changes causing thefeeder 21000 to rotate and stabilize in a new orientation. In theimplementation shown in FIG. 27, the center of gravity is verticallyaligned along the vertical line V with the pivot 2100. Thisconfiguration shown in FIG. 27 results in a positive tilt (angle B) inthe feeder 21000, where the front side 2132 is relatively higher in thelocal vertical direction V than the back side 2134. Positive tilt meansthat the front side 2132 of the feeder 21000 is rotated away from thedirection of gravity in the first plane A and above the local horizontalH, and negative tilt means that front of the feeder 21000 is rotatedtoward the direction of gravity in the first plane A and below the localhorizontal H. A positive tilt of the feeder 21000 (at the tilt angle B)raises the opening 2108 in the feeder port 2109 above the level of thefeeding solution 2105 in the reservoir 2104, which substantiallyprevents flow or leakage of feeding solution 2105 from the opening 2108.

As the feeder 21000 empties, the center of gravity 2103 of the feeder21000 may migrate down and towards the feeding port 2109 as the feeder21000 re-balances and stabilizes about the pivot 2100. This migrationcauses the feeder 21000 to progressively tilt in a negative direction,which also tips the feeding port 2109 in the negative direction.

Referring to FIG. 7, the feeder 21000 is shown in a first orientation.The reservoir 2104 is shown substantially full forming a pool of feedingsolution 2105 which a bird may access through the feeding port 2109. Thetilt angle B is shown as the angle between the first longitudinal axis Lof the reservoir 2104 and the local horizontal H and is shown asgenerally positive relative to the local horizontal H. In theconfiguration shown, the position of the opening 2108, shown by line P,relative to the local vertical V, is at or above the level of thefeeding solution, shown by line F.

The progressive tilting in the negative direction allows gravity to pushfeed solution 2105 into the feeding port 2109, which keeps feed solution2105 accessible to the bird 2101. The opening 2108 in the feeding port2109 may be positioned relative to the feeder 21000 such that as thecenter of gravity 2103 migrates, causing a progressively declining tiltangle B (towards a negative tilt), while the opening 2108 stays abovethe level of the feed solution 2105 in the reservoir 2104.

Referring to FIG. 8, the feeder 21000 is shown in a second orientation.The reservoir 2104 is shown as partially full of feed solution 2105. Thetilt angle B has progressively decreased relative to the tilt angle Bshown in FIG. 27, because as the reservoir 2104 is emptied, the centerof gravity 2103 shifted down and toward the feeding port 2109, i.e.towards the front side 2132 where a greater proportion of the weight ofthe feeder 21000 is located. The feeder 21000 has rotated to verticallyre-align the center of gravity 2103 with the pivot 2100. As a result,the tilt angle B decreases in the negative direction and is shown asgenerally positive relative to the local horizontal H, but still lessthan the tilt angle B of FIG. 27. In the configuration shown, theposition of the opening 2108, shown by line P, is above the level of thefeeding solution 2105, shown by line F.

Keeping the opening 2108 of the feeding port 2109 above the level of thefeed solution 2105 in the reservoir 2104 prevents leakage due to gravitypulling the feed solution 2105 out. Also, the bird 2101 (shown in FIG.21) is allowed to take feed solution 2105 at its own pace and quantityrather than initiating a flow of feed solution 2105 from the feedingport 2109, which tends to waste feed solution 2105.

Referring to FIG. 29, the feeder 21000 is shown in a third position. Thereservoir 2104 is shown nearly empty of feed solution 2105 c. The tiltangle B has decreased relative to the tilt B shown in FIG. 28 due to theshifting of the center of gravity 2103 towards the front side 2132. Thefeeder 21000 has rotated to vertically re-align the center of gravity2103 with the pivot 2100. The tilt angle B has decreased in the negativedirection and shown as generally negative relative to the localhorizontal H. The negative tilt angle B allows feed solution 2105 c toflow towards the front of the reservoir 2104 so that it pools in thefront side 2132. In the configuration shown, the vertical position ofthe opening 108, shown by line P, remains above the level of the feedingsolution 2105 c, shown by line F.

Referring to FIG. 22, the spout 2112 may be positioned near or adjacentto the bottom side 2138 of the reservoir 2104. In the implementationshown in FIGS. 22 and 26 the bottom side 2136 of the spout 2112 issubstantially contiguous with the bottom side 2138 of the reservoir2104, generally following a line G. This configuration provides areservoir opening 2111, shown in FIG. 26, for the flow of feed solution2105 from the reservoir 2104 into the spout 2112, where the feedsolution 2105 may pool, during use.

Referring to FIG. 22, the spout 2112 may be canted relative to thereservoir 2104 by a cant angle C, which is generally the angle betweenthe bottom side 2138 (shown by the projection line E) of the reservoir2104 and the direction of cant of the bottom side 2136 (shown by theprojection line D) of the spout 2112. The spout 2112 is canted to allowfeed solution 2105 to pool in a cavity 2116 (shown in FIGS. 26 and 29)of the spout 2112 near the bottom side 2136, for example as shown inFIG. 29 where the reservoir 2104 is nearly empty of feed solution 2105c. This pooling allows birds to have access to the remaining amount offeed solution 2105 c, by maintaining the proximity of the beak of thebird to the remaining solution, as the tilt angle B increases in thenegative direction.

Referring now to FIG. 26, as the bird 2101 takes feed solution 2105 fromthe reservoir 2104 through the feeding port 2109 at opening 2108, airmay enter the reservoir 2104 through the opening 2108 to balance thepressure between the outside environment and the conditions inside thereservoir 2104. Bubbles of air may enter the reservoir 2104 and rise toair pockets 2107 within the reservoir 2104, which form above the levelof the feeding solution 2105. The air pockets 2107 form due to thegreater volume of the reservoir 2104 compared to the volume of feedsolution 2105 contained within it. As the reservoir empties of feedsolution 2105, the volume of air increases until the reservoir 2104 isempty of feed solution 2105.

When these air pockets 2107 get heated, by for example day time heatingfrom the sun, the air within the pocket 2107 can expand creating apositive pressure in the air pocket 2107 relative to the outsideenvironment. With sufficient heating and expansion, feeding solution2105 may be pushed out from the feeding port 2109 to equalize thepressure between the air pockets 2107 and the outside environment.

In FIGS. 21, 25 and 26, vent holes 2106 extend through the walls 2110 ofthe reservoir 2104 to allow for the equalization of pressure in thereservoir 2104. The vent holes 2106 may prevent leakage of feed solution2105 from the reservoir 2104 due to heating of the air pockets 2107 inthe reservoir 2104. The vent holes 2106 may be positioned above thelevel of the pool of feed solution 2105 where air pockets 2107 areexpected to form when the feeder 21000 is oriented in at least a firstposition, shown in FIG. 27.

The vent holes 2106 may be formed by perforating the walls 2110 of thereservoir 2104. By example, the perforations may be formed by using apunch like a pointed object, e.g. an object similar to a golf tee or anail having a thickness to provide a suitably sized hole. In theimplementation shown in FIG. 26, vent holes 2106 are positioned on anupper surface of the front side 2132 of the reservoir 2104. Thispositions the vent hole 2106 above where air pockets 2107 are expectedto form in the reservoir when the reservoir 2104 is in the tiltedorientations shown in FIGS. 27-29.

The materials forming the walls 2110 may be suitably pliable to acceptthe punch and to allow the surface of the wall to be punctured to form asuitably sized hole in the wall for venting air through the vent holes2106. By example, reservoirs made from materials disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 8,387,567 and 8,893,659, which are incorporated by referenceherein, may be suitable, as well as other suitable materials known bypersons ordinarily skilled in the art.

In the implementation shown in FIG. 25, the external walls 2110 may bemarked with indicators 2140 to provide users with a recommendedplacement of the vent holes 2106. The indicators 2140 may be pre-markedon the outside surface of the reservoir 2104.

Referring back to FIG. 26, the reservoir 2104 may contain a sterileproduct, such as a hummingbird feeding solution. In someimplementations, the feeding solution 2105 may comprise a mixture ofsugar and water prepared to known methods and in suitable relativequantities. The feeding solution 2105 may be made without additives,such as preservatives, electrolytes, or colors. In otherimplementations, the feeding solution 2105 contained in the reservoir2104 may also include additives. It will be understood by personsskilled in the art that electrolytes may function also as apreservative.

Referring back to FIG. 21, the reservoir 2104 of the feeder 21000 shownmay comprise the walls 2110 forming a container for the feed solution2105. The reservoir 2104 may comprise a box shape or other suitablecontainer shape.

In some implementations, the reservoir 2104 may comprise an aseptic orsterile enclosure. The walls of the reservoir 2104 may comprise acombination of paper, plastic, foil, like aluminum foil, or othersuitable materials. In other implementations, the walls 2110 of thereservoir 2104 may comprise multi-layer plastics or plastics incombination with metals, which are designed for retort filling, or othersuitable materials for holding liquids. In some implementations, thematerials used as walls 2110 in the reservoir 2104 may be sufficientlypliable and suitable for accepting a manual punch by a user to form thevent holes 2106. In other implementations, the vent holes 2106 may bepre-formed at the manufacturing stage, and may be closed with aremovable seal that the user removes.

Referring to FIG. 22, the external side of the walls 2110 of thereservoir 2104 may comprise a color, texture, pattern or other suitableperceptible element 2142 that is attractive to birds or other animalsfor which the feeder 21000 is designed. These perceptible elements 2142may be designed to draw desired animals to the feeder 21000 to enhancethe enjoyment of feeding the desired animals. In FIG. 22, theperceptible element 2142 of feeder 21000 is a floral pattern, which mayinclude colors like red or yellow, or other combination that attractsthe animal. The dispenser 2102 and other parts of the feeder 21000 mayalso include perceptible elements that work in combination with theperceptible elements 2142. In other implementations, the perceptibleelements 2142 may be designed to deter unwanted animals or other livingorganisms (e.g. insects, bacteria, etc.) from interfering with use of,consumption of, or access to the feeding solution 105. In otherimplementations, the feeder 21000 may include other known decorativeelements, i.e. colors, textures or patterns intended to be decorativefor the environment that the feeder 21000 is used.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 26, the dispenser 2102 may comprise thefeeding port 2109 connected to a spout 2112, which may comprise an opencylindrical structure forming a cavity 2116. The feeding port 2109 maycomprise a dispenser channel 2114 formed by an axially-extendedstructure, such as a tube. The channel 2114 is open at a first end atthe opening 2108 to allow the bird 2101 to access the feeding solution2105. The width or diameter of the channel 2114 is sufficiently narrowto allow passage of the bill of a bird (or access by another animal forwhich the feeder 21000 is designed) but to minimize exposure of the poolof feeding solution 2105 to the outside environment, including weatherand insects, which may prevent premature spoilage and contamination. Forhummingbirds, drinking the feeding solution 2105 from a narrow tube alsomimics drinking nectar from flowers. At a second end, the channel 2114comprises a mouth 2113 leading into the reservoir 2104. Feed solution2105 in the reservoir 2104 may flow through the reservoir opening 2111and into the cavity 2116 formed by the spout 2112 and into the channel2114.

When the reservoir 2104 is sufficiently full or partially full, feedsolution 2105 a, shown in FIG. 27, and feed solution 2105 b, shown inFIG. 28, is available in the channel 2114 for a bird to access with itsbill. As shown in FIG. 29, the bird 2101 may access feed solution 2105 clocated in the spout 2112 and reservoir 2104 through the mouth 2113 ofthe channel 2114. It will be understood by persons ordinarily skilled inthe art that the dispenser 2102 may comprise one or more feeding ports2109 extending from the same spout 2112.

As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, when the feeder 21000 is in use, and duringa least a portion of the time that the feeder 21000 is in use, the mouth2113 is at or below the level of the feed solution 2105(a or b) in thereservoir 2104. This configuration maintains a hummingbird's access tothe feed solution 2105(a or b) during use, when as shown feed solution2105(a or b) fills the channel up to the level of the feed solution2105(a or b) in the reservoir 2104. As the feeder 21000 empties of thefeed solution 2105 c, as shown in FIG. 29, the level of feed solution2105 c may drop below the position of the mouth 2113. Due to the tiltingof the feeder 21000 and the cant C of the spout 2112, feed solution 2105c pools at the bottom side 2138 of the feeder 21000, and in the bottomside 2136 of the spout 2112.

The spout 2112 may comprise a pipe, tube, or other suitable lip-likeprojection in the reservoir 2104, such as a threaded tube 2117, shown inFIG. 24. Referring to FIGS. 23 and 26, the dispenser 2102 may comprisethreading 2115 on an inside surface configured to threadably mate withthe threaded tube 2117 to form the coupling 2119. It will be understoodby persons of ordinary skill in the art that the dispenser 2102 may beattached to the spout 2112 by other suitable attachment means, i.e. snapfits, latches, adhesives, etc.

In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 23, the spout 2112 may besealed for transport and storage of the reservoir 2104 with a cap 2118,which may be removed from the spout 2112, e.g. by twisting it off, toopen the reservoir 2104. The dispenser 2102 may replace the cap 2118 onthe spout 2112, when the feeder 21000 is ready to be used. The spout2112 may also include other sealing mechanisms, including a break-awayseal (not shown) that works in conjunction with the cap 2118 so thatupon removal of the cap 2118 a portion of the cap 2118 breaks the sealto allow feed solution 105 to flow out of the reservoir 2104.

Referring to FIG. 22, the length 21 of the spout 2112 may be configuredto accommodate feeding by a desired animal. For instance, the length ofthe bill of an adult-sized hummingbird may be about 3/5 to 4/5 of aninch. The length I of the spout 2112 may be configured at or longer byabout 20% of the expected bill length. It will be understood by personsskilled in the art that the length l of the spout 2112 may be configuredto account for a specific species of bird, including their expectedtongue length and overall reach. The length I may also be configured toaccount for other accessories used in conjunction with the feeder 21000,including but not limited to perches and insect guards.

Referring to FIG. 21, the reservoir 2104 may be suspended from alocation that is accessible to hummingbirds, other birds, or otheranimal for which the feeder 21000 is useful. For example, the feeder21000 may comprise a hanger 2120 or other suitable extension configuredto receive a hook 2122 or other suitable support member and to suspendthe reservoir 2104 above an underlying surface. In the implementationshown in FIG. 21, the hanger 2120 may comprise a tab portion 2124 and abase portion 2125 adhered to the reservoir 2104. In otherimplementations the hanger 2120 may comprise other suitable contrivancesupon which the feeder 21000 may be hung, including a string, strap, or arod.

The tab portion 2124 may extend from the reservoir 2104 have an aperture2126. The aperture 2126 may receive the hook 2122 to hang the feeder21000 in a suitable feeding location.

The hanger 2120 may be secured to the reservoir 2104 by support straps2128 (shown in FIGS. 21, 22, 23, 25, and 26) which hold the base portion2125 to the reservoir 104 and extend around at least a portion of thereservoir 2104. The straps 2128 support the hanger 2120 in mannerconfigured to hold the weight of the feeder 21000 and to withstandenvironmental forces acting on the feeder 21000, e.g. movement from thewind or from an animal pushing on the feeder 21000 as it feeds. In theimplementation shown, the support straps 2128 are attached to thereservoir 22104 with a suitable adhesive. In some implementations, thehanger 2120 and support straps 2128 are formed in one piece from asingle material, such as plastic, while it will be understood by personsof ordinary skill in the art that there may be other variations in themanufacture of the hanger 2120 and straps 2128, including multi-piececonstruction.

Referring to FIGS. 21, 25, and 26, at least a portion of the hanger 2120may function as the pivot 2100 for allowing the reservoir 2104 toprogressively tilt in at least the plane A as the reservoir 2104 isemptied. In the implementation shown, the aperture 2126 in the tabportion 2124 configured to couple to the hook 2122 (or other suitablehanging member) to freely hang the feeder 21000 may comprise the pivot2100 about which the feeder 21000 rotates to provide the tilt angle B ofthe reservoir.

The hanger 2120 and reservoir 2104 are coupled at connection 2130 inmanner that allows the hanger 2120 and reservoir 2104 to rotate jointlyrelative to the pivot 2100. The connection 2130 between the hanger 2120and the reservoir 2104 allows the reservoir 2104 to rotate and stabilizefrom a first prior orientation to a second subsequent orientation,having a different tilt angle B, as the center of gravity 2103 migratesdue to the weight shifting. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, when the centerof gravity 2103 changes its position, the feeder 21000 rotates so thatthe center of gravity 2103 vertically re-aligns itself with the pivot2100 into a new stable orientation.

Referring to FIG. 21, the position Q measured relative to the back end2135 of the reservoir 2104 where the hanger 2120 is mounted to thereservoir 2104 along the top surface of the reservoir is selected toprovide a positive initial tilt angle B (shown in FIG. 26), and toprovide a progressively tilting reservoir 2104 in the negativedirection. The length K of the tab portion 2124 is selected to provide arange of tilt angles that correspond to the fullness of the reservoir2104—the range between a full configuration of the reservoir 2104 and anempty configuration. It will be understood by persons skilled in the artthat the position Q of the hanger 2120 and the length K of the tabportion 2124 can be adjusted to accommodate the desired range of tiltangles B.

The hanger 2120 may be made from a suitable material, such as plastic,to allow the hanger 2120 to support the reservoir 2104 in suspensionfrom a hanging member 2122 and in rotation about the pivot 2100.Referring to FIG. 25, the tab portion 2124 may comprise a substantiallyflat strap with an edge portion 2127. The edge portion 2127 of the tabportion 2124 may be aligned with plane A where the feeder 21000 rotates.

The weight of the reservoir 2104 may keep the tab portion taut and inthe same orientation relative to the reservoir 2104. The tab portion2124 may have sufficient stiffness in the plane A (where the edgeportion 2127 is aligned) to resist buckling in the orientations providedby rotation of the feeder 21000 from a full configuration to an emptyconfiguration, (e.g. those shown by example in FIGS. 27-29). Theinteraction of the adhesive connection 2130 between the hanger 2120 andthe reservoir 2104 and the orientation of the tab portion 2124 relativeto the plane A of rotation allows to the reservoir 2104 to rotate andstabilize at a new tilt angle B. Persons ordinarily skilled in the artwill understand that other suitable materials and attachment methods maybe utilized as the hanger 2120 to support the reservoir 2104 insuspension and to provide the pivot 2100.

In some implementations, the feeder 21000 may comprise accessories tofurther enhance the functionality of the feeder 21000. As shown in FIGS.30A and 30B, the feeder 21000 may include a perch 2144 extending fromthe spout 2112. The perch 2144 may comprise a ring portion 2146configured to extend around a portion of the spout 2112 to secure (forexample by a snug or snap fit) the perch 2144 in substantially a fixedorientation relative to the dispenser 2102.

The perch 2144 may comprise a landing surface 2148 for birds to land onand feed from the dispenser 2102. The perch 2144 may comprise a portionof a loop that extends contiguously from the ring portion 2146, and maybe constructed from one piece of material, such as molded from plastic.In some implementations, such as shown in FIG. 30A, the ring portion2146 and the landing surface 2148 may comprise a textured or curvedsurface to improve mounting, gripping, and handling of the perch 2144 byusers and by birds or other animals. In other implementations, thesurfaces of the perch 2144 may be smooth. The perch 2144 may comprise aweight that operates with the weight of the walls 2110 of the reservoir2104, the spout 2112, and the dispenser 2102 to tilt the reservoir 2104as it empties of feed solution 2105.

Referring to FIGS. 31A and 31B, the feeder 21000 may include a removablecover 2150 that functions as an insect guard. The cover 2150 may extendover the opening 2108 in the feeding port 2109 or the vent holes 2106 toprevent insects, such as, but not limited to, bees and wasps fromlanding on the feeding port 2109 to draw feeding solution 2105 from theopening 2108. The cover 2150 may comprise a slot 2152 configured with adimension large enough (such as a width of the slot 2152) to allowpassage of the beak of a bird into a cover channel 2154, but smallenough to prevent passage of insects, such as bees and wasps, into thedispenser channel 2114.

The cover channel 2154 may be configured with a first dimension (such asa width or diameter of the cover channel 2154) sufficiently large toallow passage of the cover 2150 over at least a portion of the feedingport 2109. The cover channel 2154 may be also configured with a seconddimension (such as a length of the channel 2154) configured to allow theslot 2152 to be positioned near the opening 2109 when the cover 2150 ispositioned on the feeding port 2109. Positioning the slot 2152 close tothe opening 2109 minimizes the amount that the cover 2150 extends thedistance that a bird must reach in order to access feed solution in thedispenser channel 2114 or in the reservoir 2104, as the reservoir 2104empties (such as in FIG. 29). It will be understood that othercommercially available insect guards may be used or adapted to fit onthe feeding port 2109 to function in a similar manner to prevent accessby insects as the cover 2150 disclosed here.

Referring to FIG. 32, there is shown a first implementation of a birdfeeder 31000 (referred to also as “feeder 31000”). The feeder 31000 maycontain a liquid feed solution 3105, as shown in FIG. 35, prepared tonourish a bird. It will be understood by persons skilled in the field ofart that the feeder 31000 may be configured for feeding other non-humananimals, including but not limited to other birds and animals, byproviding a suitable feed solution.

Referring to FIG. 35, the feed solution 3105 may be contained within areservoir 3104 forming a cavity for holding the feed solution. Thereservoir 3104 may comprise walls 3110 being substantially contiguousand uniform in material forming a barrier around the entire volume ofthe cavity to maintain the freshness of the feed solution 3105 containedin the cavity. In other implementations, the walls 3110 may be formedfrom a composite of materials that form a substantially contiguous anduniform barrier.

As shown in FIG. 35, the walls 3110 may not have any pre-formed, break,holes or other openings in the walls 3110, prior to a user poking orpunching a hole in the walls 3110. The material that the walls 3110 aremade from may be sufficiently pliable to allow a user to puncture thewalls 3110 to form one or more openings.

Referring to FIGS. 34, 33, and 35, the walls 3110 may form a box shapeor other suitable container shape. The material of the walls 3110 aresufficiently sturdy to maintain the shape or form of the reservoir. Insome implementations, the walls 3100 may be made from materials producedby Tetra Pak Cheese & Powder of Rockford Ill.(http://www.tetrapak.com/us/), other, in other implementations, madefrom metal, paper, plastic, composite or layered combinations of thesematerials or other materials suitable for the purposes described herein.The material of the walls 3110 may be made from disposable materialsthat are designed to be discarded or recycled after the feeder is nolonger useful, for example after the feeder 31000 opened and emptied ofthe feeding solution 3105.

Referring to FIGS. 32 and 35, the reservoir 3104 may comprise at least atop surface 3107 extending substantially in a first plane A. It will beunderstood by persons skilled in the art that the walls 3110 mayinclude, in some sections, folded portions 3115 a, b, c of the walls3110 where for purposes of construction of the reservoir 3104 the wallsare folded over. The reservoir 3104 may be configured to be set on anunderlying surface 3106. The feeding solution 3105 may settle within thereservoir 3104 such that the feeding solution 3105 forms a pool 3108below the top surface 3107.

Referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, and illustrative of at least one methodfor feeding hummingbirds or other suitable animal, a user may use asuitably sharp or pointed object such as a punch 3102 to puncture thewalls 3110 to form an opening 3111 for a bird or other suitable animalto access the pool 3108 of feed solution 105. In some implementations, auser may use the punch 3102 to form two or more openings 3111, 3112 inthe top surface 3107 of the walls 3110. The openings 3111, 3112 may eachbe positioned substantially in the same plane A, in which the topsurface 3107 extends.

In some implementations, such as that shown in the FIG. 36, a feedingport 3109 may be inserted into the opening 3112. The feeding port 109may comprise a dispenser channel 3114 formed by an axially-extendedstructure, such as a tube. The width or diameter of the channel 3114 orthe width or diameter of the opening 3111 is sufficiently narrow toallow passage of the bill of a bird (or access by another animal forwhich the feeder 31000 is designed) but to minimize exposure of the pool3108 of feeding solution 3105 to the outside environment, includingweather and insects, which may prevent premature spoilage andcontamination. For hummingbirds, drinking the feed solution 3105 from anarrow tube, such as the feeding port 3109, also mimics drinking nectarfrom flowers.

Referring to FIG. 33, the external side of the walls 3110 of thereservoir 3104 may comprise a color, texture, pattern or other suitableperceptible element 3118 that is attractive to birds or other animalsfor which the feeder 31000 is designed. These perceptible elements 3118may be designed to draw desired animals to the feeder 31000 to enhancethe enjoyment of feeding the desired animals. In FIG. 33, theperceptible element 3118 of feeder 31000 is a floral pattern, which mayinclude colors like red or yellow, or other combination that attractsthe animal. The feeding port 3109 (shown in FIG. 36) and other parts ofthe feeder 31000 may also include perceptible elements that work incombination with the perceptible elements 3118. In otherimplementations, the perceptible elements 3118 may be designed to deterunwanted animals or other living organisms (e.g. insects, bacteria,etc.) from interfering with use of, consumption of, or access to thefeeding solution 105. In other implementations, the feeder 31000 mayinclude other known decorative elements, i.e. colors, textures orpatterns intended to be decorative for the environment that the feeder31000 is used.

Referring to FIG. 34, the top surface 3107 may comprise markers 3113 a,b, and c. The markers 3113 a, b, c may comprise indicators, such as thecircles shown, printed on the top surface 3107 to assist the user inpunching holes, such as openings 3111 and 3112 shown in FIG. 36, in thewalls 3110 of the feeder 31000. The markers 3113 a, b, c may provide arecommended spacing S1 and S2 between holes.

Referring to FIGS. 37 and 39, one or more feeders 31000, 31001, 31002may be positioned on a feeder tray 32000. As shown in FIG. 37, a firstfeeder 31000, a second feeder 31001, and a third feeder 31002 may be seton the feeder tray 32000 in a configuration that orients the set ofopenings 3117 a, 3117 b, 3117 c of each feeder 31000, 31001, 31002 foraccess by a hummingbird or other suitable animal. In someimplementations, the one or more feeders 31000, 31001, 31002 maycomprise the same configuration as feeder 31000 shown in FIGS. 32-36 anddescribed herein.

Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, the feeder tray 32000 may comprise ashallow flat receptacle having a first surface 32002 for carrying orholding the feeders 31000, 31001, 31002. Each feeder 31000, 31001, 31002may be set onto the first surface 32002.

The feeder tray 32000 may comprise raised edges 32004, 32005 formingwalls, which may restrict motion of the feeders 31000, 31001, 31002within the horizontal plane H in at least one dimension without the useof mechanical fasteners. As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, the feeders 31000,31001, 31002 are restricted from movement in a first direction D by theraised edges 32004, 32005, which may extend from the surface 32002. Thefeeders 31000, 31001, 31002 may also be restricted from movement in asecond direction E by their placement adjacent or between other feeders.The feeders 31000, 31001, 31002 may be removable and replaceable withother feeders once the reservoir of the feeder is emptied. As shown inFIG. 39, feeder 31001 has been removed from area 31004, which is anavailable area for placing a new replacement feeder. It will beunderstood by persons skilled in the art that other means of holding andrestricting movement of the feeders 31000, 31001 in a removable andreplaceable manner on the first surface 32002 of the feeder tray 32000may be used, including, but not limited to, cages, straps, partitions,adhesives, and mechanical fasteners. In other implementations, thefeeders 31000, 31001 may be permanently attached, and not removablewithout destruction or disassembly of the feeder tray 32000, such thatthe feeder tray 32000 and attached feeders 31000, 31001 may be entirelydisposable.

As shown by FIGS. 37 and 40, a feeder tray 32000 or 32010 may comprise ashape. FIG. 37 shows the feeder tray 32000 in a line segment shape. FIG.40 shows the feeder tray 32010 in a generally square shape. It will beunderstood by persons skilled in the art that the shape of a feedertray, as described herein, may comprise other shapes, including but notlimited to open linear segments and closed line segments, extending in asingle plane or extending in three dimensions, that arrange the feedersin an accessible position and orientation for feeding birds or othersuitable animals.

Referring to FIGS. 40 and 41 showing the feeder 32010 having a squareclosed shape, the feeder 32010 may comprise a shallow flat receptaclehaving a first surface 32002 for carrying or holding one or more feeders31000, 31001, 31002, 31006, 31008, 31010, 31012, 31014, which each haveopenings or feeding ports (for example ports 31015, 31016, 31017,31018). As shown in FIG. 40, the first surface 32002 may extendsubstantially in at least a first horizontal plane H to receive thefeeders 31000, 31001, 31002, 31006, 31008, 31010, 31012, 31014 andposition the feeding ports to be accessible to a bird or other suitableanimal. In some implementations, the one or more feeders 31000, 31001,31002, 31006, 31008, 31010, 31012, 31014 may comprise the sameconfiguration as feeder 31000 shown in FIGS. 32-36 and described herein.

Referring to FIG. 41, the feeder tray 32010 may comprise a first sidewall 32022, which runs along the outer perimeter of the square shapeformed by the feeder tray 32010, and a second side wall 32024, whichruns along an inside perimeter of the feeder tray 32022. The first sidewall 32022 and the second side wall 32024 may be spaced from each othera distance F, and depending on the size of the shape, there may be a gap32026, comprising an area within the shape where there are no feeders.It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that in someimplementations this area may be configured to fit additional feeders.

The first side wall 32022 and the second side wall 32024 may restrictmotion of the feeders 31000, 31001, 31002 within the first horizontalplane H in at least one dimension without the use of mechanicalfasteners. As shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, the feeders 31001, 31002 arerestricted from movement in the direction D by at least a portion of thefirst side wall 32022 and the second side wall 32024. Other portions ofthe side walls 32022, 32024 restrict movement in the direction E, byexample feeders 31014, 31015. In other implementations other walls,stops, straps, partitions, mechanical fasteners and adhesives may beutilized to provide either replaceable feeders or feeders that arepermanently affixed. In other implementations, the feeder trays 32000and 32010 shown in FIGS. 37 and 40 may comprise two or more horizontalplanes H for reception of two or more reservoirs, for example in atiered configuration as shown in FIG. 42 showing plane H1 and H2.

Referring to FIG. 40, feeders may be arranged end-to-end on the feedertray 32010 to match the shape of the respective feeder tray. In FIG. 40,the feeders are arranged on the outer perimeter of the square shape toposition the ports 31015, 31016, 31017, 31018 (by example) for accessand to discourage crowding of birds gathering at the feeder tray 32000.

The feeders 32000 and 32010 of FIGS. 37 and 40, respectively, may eachbe suspended from a location that is accessible to hummingbirds, otherbirds, or other animal for which the feeders useful. Referring to FIG.37, a hanger 32003 or other suitable extension configured with areceptacle or aperture to receive a suitable support member (for examplea hook 32020) may connect to the feeder 32000. In FIG. 40, a hanger32011 may connect to the feeder 32010. Each hanger 32003, 32011 mayconnect to the respective feeder tray 32000, 32010 at apertures 32007 a,b (shown in FIG. 48) and 32019 a-d (shown in FIG. 41), respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 41 there is shown a tiered implementation of thefeeder system 3100. A feeder tray 3300 may comprise one or more tiers3301 and 3302, extending in one or more horizontal planes H1 and H2.Each tier may comprise a level placed one above another level.

Each tier 3301, 3302 may comprise one or more tray sections 3304 a-d and3306 a-d configured to hold one or more feeders 31000 a-d and 31001 a-c,respectively. Each tray section may be suitable for holding one or morefeeders in at least the manner shown and described in FIGS. 37-41,including, but not limited to, the use of walls, cages, straps,partitions, adhesives, and mechanical fasteners for either thereplaceable or permanent positioning of the feeders on the tray section.In some implementations, the tiers 3301 and 3302 may comprise differentsizes and configurations (e.g. the number of tray sections and number offeeders held in each tray section and tier), while in otherimplementations the tiers are of the same size and configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 39, 40, and 42, a feeder system 3100, embodying atleast one method of feeding hummingbirds or other suitable animal, maycomprise at least one tray, for example, the tray 32000 shown in FIG.39, the tray 32010 shown in FIG. 40, or the tray sections 3304 a-d inthe tier 3301 of FIG. 42. Each tray of the feeder system 3100 holds oneor more feeders, for example, in FIG. 39, the tray 32000 holds feeders31000 and 31002. In some implementations, the feeders are replaceableonce the feeder is used. The feeder system 3100 allows the user to havea reusable platform for providing fresh feeding solution to hummingbirdsor other desired animals.

Referring to FIG. 43, the feeder 31000 of FIG. 32 may be suspended froma location that is accessible to hummingbirds, other birds, or otheranimal for which the feeder 31000 is useful. In the implementation shownin FIG. 43, the feeder 31000 may comprise a hanger 3120 or othersuitable extension configured to receive a hook 3122 or other suitablesupport member and to suspend the reservoir 3104 above an underlyingsurface. The hanger 3120 may comprise a tab portion 3124 and a baseportion 3125 adhered to the reservoir 3104.

The tab portion 3124 may comprise a sufficient drop distance K from anyoverhead structure, including the hook 3122, to allow the hummingbirds3101, 3103 sufficient space to fly-in, feed from the opening 3111 or thefeeding port 3109, and exit without crowding the hummingbirds.

The hanger 3120 may be secured to the reservoir 3104 by support straps3128 which hold the base portion 3125 to the reservoir 3104 and extendaround at least a portion of the reservoir 3104. The straps 3128 supportthe hanger 3120 in manner configured to hold the weight of the feeder31000 and to withstand environmental forces acting on the feeder 31000,e.g. movement from the wind or from an animal pushing on the feeder31000 as it feeds. In other implementations the hanger 3120 may compriseother suitable contrivances upon which the feeder 31000 may be hung,including a string, strap, or a rod.

The weight of the reservoir 3104 may be balanced on the hanger 3120 asto prevent significant tipping or tilting of the reservoir, which maycause unwanted spillage of the feeding solution 3105. In theimplementation shown in FIG. 43, the hanger is positioned on the topsurface of the reservoir at a position Q that aligns a point ofsuspension S, where an aperture 3126 in the tab portion 3124 receivesthe hook 3122, with the center of gravity 3116. As the reservoir 3104 isemptied of feed solution 3105, the center of gravity follows generally avertical path P, which maintains substantially equal weight on bothsides of the point of suspension S. As a result, the feeder 31000 doesnot substantially tilt or pivot about the as the reservoir 3104 empties.

Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific orderor hierarchy of steps in the methods described herein can be rearrangedwhile remaining within the disclosed subject matter. Any accompanyingmethod claims present elements of the various steps in a sample orderand are not necessarily meant to be limited to the specific order orhierarchy presented.

It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendantadvantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it willbe apparent that various changes may be made in the form, constructionand arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosedsubject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages.The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of thefollowing claims to encompass and include such changes.

The above specification, examples, and information provides a completedescription of the structure and use of example implementations of thepresently disclosed technology. Various modifications and additions canbe made to the exemplary implementations discussed without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology. Forexample, while the implementations described above refer to particularfeatures, the scope of this disclosure also includes implementationshaving different combinations of features and implementations that donot include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of thepresently disclosed technology is intended to embrace all suchalternatives, modifications, and variations together with allequivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An animal feeder comprising: a reservoircontaining a ready-to-consume animal feed for animals, the reservoirincluding one or more walls enclosing the ready-to-consume animal feed,at least a portion of the reservoir configured to create an openingthrough which the ready-to-consume animal feed may be accessed, thereservoir adapted for placement on a surface of a bird feeder.